Book Review-A Case of Need-a Novel-Michael Crichton

I have read many of Michael Crichton's books in the past, but missed this one somehow. I decided to rectify that--I do love medical mysteries. As an aside--I also loved the TV series ER which he created.

Back in the 50's-even into the late 50's early 60's abortion was illegal. However at that point in time there were some doctors who would perform the operation. Mostly it was a reaction to all the women who died after going to hacks. Right or wrong they were much safer having the procedure done in a medical office or hospital. Back then the hospitals and probably the doctors listed the abortions as D&Cs. Whether the doctors back then agreed with the procedure or not--they all knew which doctors would. Doctors stick together--their world is insular.

This novel, based in my opinion, in truth-is what could happen if a doctor was accused of performing an abortion back then and how all the other doctors may have reacted. Only a pathologist was bound and determined to get to the truth and exonerate his friend!

The ending will make you gasp at what he ultimately uncovered and who was to blame for the death of this woman.

Michael Crichton added footnotes explaining some if not all of the medical jargon! At the end of this book is his biography and pictures. When Michael Crichton died in 2008 the world lost one of it's greatest writers!


About the book: (from Amazon)

In the tightly knit world of Boston medicine, the Randall family reigns supreme. When heart surgeon J. D. Randall’s teenage daughter dies during a botched abortion, the medical community threatens to explode. Was it malpractice? A violation of the Hippocratic Oath? Or was Karen Randall murdered in cold blood?

The natural suspect is Arthur Lee, a brilliant surgeon and known abortionist, who has been carrying out the illegal procedure with the help of pathologist John Berry. After Karen dies, Lee is thrown in jail on a murder charge, and only Berry can prove his friend wasn’t the one who wielded the scalpel. Behind this gruesome death, Berry will uncover a secret that would shock even the most hardened pathologist.

An Edgar Award–winning novel by the author of such blockbusters as The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park—and creator of the long-running NBC drama ER—A Case of Need is a “superb” medical-thriller mystery (Los Angeles Times).
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Michael Crichton including rare images from the author’s estate.


Read a Chapter or Two Here

Purchase the Book Here


About the Author: (from Goodreads)

Michael Crichton (1942–2008) was one of the most successful novelists of his generation, admired for his meticulous scientific research and fast-paced narrative. He graduated summa cum laude and earned his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1969. His first novel, Odds On (1966), was written under the pseudonym John Lange and was followed by seven more Lange novels. He also wrote as Michael Douglas and Jeffery Hudson. His novel A Case of Need won the Edgar Award in 1969. Popular throughout the world, he has sold more than 200 million books. His novels have been translated into thirty-eight languages, and thirteen have been made into films.


Goodreads
Author's Website yes they did put one up for him
Facebook yes they did put one up for him
Twitter yes they did put one up for him
There are others which you can find on the website

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.